Enda Kenny: Local councils caused delay in housing

A war of words has opened up between the Government and local councils as to whom is to blame for the delay in the building of social houses.

Local authorities have strongly rejected criticisms leveled at them by Taoiseach Enda Kenny over the delay in building social and affordable homes.

Yesterday, amid criticisms of the Government’s new housing plan, Mr Kenny said: “It is about time county councils got back into the business of providing houses. They have been given the money, the opportunities and the incentives to open sites that are currently off limits, and they must get on with the job.”